Hi, I am Scott Paul, a leading exterior restoration contractor and business owner with over 30 years of experience in exterior concrete sealing and protection. For info about who I am, please read my full bio here.
Restore-A-Garage Epoxy Coating Review
For 2024, I have found the Restore-A-Garage Epoxy Coating Review to be the top-rated and one of the easiest-to-use Epoxy Floor Coating Systems we have used or tested.
If you have any questions on the Restore-A-Garage Epoxy Coating, please ask me in our Q&A area below. I am here to help!
The Restore-A-Garage Epoxy Coating Manufacturer Description
Restore-A-Garage is an advanced, water-based Concrete Epoxy Floor Coating System for maximum protection and longevity. It is a 100% solid, high-build garage floor epoxy coating that undergoes a chemical reaction that results in a thick coating tightly bonded to the prepared surface. Restore-A-Garage Epoxy Coating will protect against abrasions, stains, impact, and chipping AND IS resistant to moisture, dirt, chemicals, and salts, making it ideal for those living in climates where rain and snow are expected as the seasons change.
Restore-A-Garage Epoxy Coating is ideal for all types of concrete, including garage floors, warehouse floors, industrial floors, shop floors, basements, concrete patios, concrete countertops, wood, and metal.
My Restore-A-Garage Epoxy Review
Application: 8
The Restore-A-Garage Epoxy is a two-component coating system that is easy to apply, and the directions are easy to follow. Once you mix Part A and Part B, you spread the coating over the surface with a notched squeegee and even out with a roller. I could cover our 3-car test garage in less than 30 minutes. Using Spiked shoes, I then broadcasted the Flecks over the surface. I top-coated it later with their optional Gloss Aliphatic Urethane coating. This rolls on very quickly.
Gloss Level after Application: 9
The high 100% solid content of the Restore-A-Garage Epoxy Coating gives the floor a nice gloss. We top-coated this with the optional Gloss Top Coat, which adds additional shine and protection to the surface. FYI, they carry an optional Satin sheen if you prefer a lower luster.
The Overall Appearance after Application: 9
Restore-A-Garage Epoxy Coating is thicker (100% solid) in consistency than any of the other DIY brands but applies very well with the squeegee applicator. Applying at 10 mils, the coating is considered a one-coat application. I used a medium to heavy broadcast for the decorative fleck. Fleckh Gray Color. The overall finished appearance was excellent. See picture.
Appearance/Peeling/Wearing After 2 Years: 9
Restore-A-Garage Epoxy had no peeling and retained about 90% of its shine and gloss at the 2-year mark. Overall, the Restore-A-Garage Epoxy Coating was in almost perfect condition.
Solid Percentage of Epoxy: 10
The Restore-A-Garage Epoxy is a 100% solid Epoxy Coating.
My Overall Score Restore-A-Garage Epoxy at 2-Year Period: 9
The Restore-A-Garage Epoxy is a Commercial-Grade Epoxy Coating System made easy to apply for your average DIY homeowner or contracting professional. As concrete restoration contractors who have been restoring all types of concrete for 20+ years, this is the top Epoxy system that we have seen or used. The Restore-A-Garage Epoxy applies easily, looks, and performs with 100% durability, and overall looks fantastic on our customer’s floor. Any future maintenance would consist of applying another coat of their Top Coat Urethane as needed.
Product Information:
Where To Buy: Restore-A-Garage.com
Coating Type: Two-component, Epoxy 100% Solids. 12 different color options.
Types of Substrates: Garage Floors, Basements, Shop Floors, Warehouse, Counter Tops
Coats Required: 1 coat
Coverage Per Gallon: 200-250 sq. ft per kit
Application Tools: Squeegee and Roller
Dry Time: 12-24 Hours
Cleanup: Water
Manufacturer: RAD OPW LLC
My Test Stats:
Surface Type: 3 Car Garage Floor
How Many Years Tested: 2 Years
*All products tested and results are from my experience. I offer no guarantee of similar results. Results may differ due to different surface types, exposure to UV radiation, and traffic.
I have a 1250 sq ft garage how many gallons do I need
This picture is from their website.
I am interested in the Restore-a-Garage Epoxy product for my front door concrete stoop which is 37 years old but I don’t want a high gloss finish. I noticed that this product is also offered in a satin finish but that may still be too much of a gloss finish for a front door entry way. What is the gloss level for the satin finish? Are there other options that you can recommend after I apply a concrete leveling product to cover imperfections/shallow pits in the existing concrete stoop. Prior to applying the leveling product should I acid etch or… Read more »
The satin is more of a Matte. Not very shiny. You can broadcast grip on top if worried about traction. If you need to fill any gaps, use their Ranger Patch. Acid etch should work if no prior coatings.
Will I be able to use this on my carport concrete floor in the Chicago area?
Yes.
New Interior garage with 11 month old concrete. No oil or other stains. 540 sq. ft.
After applying the Restore-A-Garage Epoxy Coating. Do I then follow up with the
Gloss Aliphatic Urethane coating and then the Gloss Top Coat or would I just use
one or the other of those?
The R-A-G Top coat is a aliphatic coating so just use that:
https://www.restore-a-garage.com/restore-a-garage-clear-top-coat
What kind of prep is needed for a front porch with Siloxa-Tek 8500 Penetrating Concrete Sealer applied a year ago, grinding or etching
Grinding.
I’m going to refinish my garage. It has been painted or something in the past. It also has spalling or pitting from salty road materials from vehicles. I’m planning on grinding floor but will this epoxy be sufficient to fill in where it’s pitting and spalling or what you suggest for this?
Epoxies will not fill large pits and gaps. You would need to use a filler first.
https://www.restore-a-garage.com/ranger-patch-repair-kit.html
do you have to remove the existing epoxy floor paint before I can put a new coat of epoxyshield on ?
Yes, grind it off if switching brands.
Hi Scott
I am coating my garage floor which has never been coated prior. Do I need to diamond grind the surface or will an etch be sufficient? The floor is 2 years old and lightly used to this point. I will be working on personal vehicles/projects once my floor is finished. Thanks!
Just acid etch if no prior coating or sealers.
Hi Scott,
Great resources on your site here. I congratulate you and thank you for the useful in formation. We are having an attached garage built and I’ll want to put an epoxy coating on the concrete slab after it cures.
Your recommendation of Restore A Garage seems convincing.
Should I etch the new concrete floor before applying Restore A Garage?
No need to prime new cured concrete for such a project, is there?
Thanks again,
Mark
Yes, you have to etch for adhesion. A simple step. As for the primer, never use a primer with an epoxy coating unless they specifically say to do so and I personally do not know of any high-quality brands that suggest this.
How much is your product, I read in the article that it was $149
Visti the website: http://www.restore-a-garage.com/
could you put a restore a garage clear gloss over a rust oleum clear coat gloss that has been done in the past 3 days?
You would have to sand and scuff the current coating so the new coating will adhere.
Does your epoxy coating require a primer?
No, do not use a primer before an epoxy coating.
Why can’t you use an epoxy primer before the epoxy top coat? I found it prevents gassing of the top coat
It will prevent proper adhesion with the epoxy and the concrete.
Do you have to acid clean new concrete before putting on epoxy coating
Yes.
I’m looking at applying to a basement floor that I will power wash and use TSP on. Right now it’s not painted, but the previous owner put self leveler on that is crumbling. Is there any other prep work that needs to be done other than removing the self leveler and washing? Thanks for your help.
Do you have pictures?
I’m looking to doing a concrete porch, 12×12. Has a ceiling but otherwise open. Will this work and will it cover repaired cracks?
Yes, it should work well.
I live in Florida’s. Can this be used ion my concert patio that is screened in? the concrete is 6 month old. will it withstand the hot climate and when is it best ( temperature) to lay it? surely it should not be laid during the hottest time of the year? what would be the best temperature to let it cure?
Yes, it will work here. Do it when temps are in the 80s or less.
I want to put this on my shed that has a concrete floor. I am sure it is okay with the temperatures outside but just checking….
Yes, it is okay.
Hi, when applying the clear coat did you sand first? From their website, they mention:
“You can avoid sanding by applying it 15-18 hours after applying the epoxy, but you risk the slight chance of the R-A-G Clear Top Coat separating from the R-A-G Epoxy.”
Wondering which path you took. Thanks!
We do not scuff or sand typicll as we do top coats within the window.
Does this product come in a kit that incudes etching and all items needed to apply? ie: spike shoes squeegee roller etc. ? I have a 22’x 24′ area . How much is needed?
You would have to check on their website for what they offer and the amount needed.
https://www.restore-a-garage.com/
Is the finish as slick/slippery as regular concrete? We will have foot traffic from the back yard pool area into the epoxied garage floor in order to get to the bathroom, and wondering if there is something that should be mixed in when applying to help prevent slipping?
You can mix in a product like Super Grip or Shark Grip for traction.
Hi,
Would this product be good for a radiant heat under slab floor .
Brand new pole barn, concrete was poured in September (2021)
Yes, it should be fine.
I am not sure why the photo of this too shiny epoxy cement floor does get uploaded? I tried multiple times! One small photo can’t exceed the 5 MB limit, can it?
Yes, it can if taken with a high res phone.
I just had my basement floor professionally done with epoxy coats to give a wood plank finish but is far too shiny, looks plastic. I am NOT happy with this very glossy look. The professional told me there is nothing he can or would do to make a satin or matte finish!
HELP is there any thing I can do??
No, you cannot dull out the epoxy but you may be able to top coat it with a satin finish to make it less shiny.
Do you need to etch new concrete before applying – I’m moving into a new house and would like to coat it prior to moving in.
Yes. Easy to do.
Do I have to use the flecks? What colors does the coating come int?
No, you do not have to use flecks. Visit their website for color options:
https://www.restore-a-garage.com/restore-a-garage-epoxy.html
I want to use the Restore-A-Garage Epoxy on my new garage floor that isn’t sealed. Do I need to do any prep work to the floor besides brushing it off?
You have to etch a surface prior to using an epoxy. Their website will explain this.
i have a garage that is 220 sq ft i have applied a previous epoxy Rustoleum rock solid . i was not inpressed by it . Applied it a year ago looked great for 3 months then it dulled and then starting flaking. So i need advice on a good commercial epoxy one that will be deep and high gloss and will last awhile..
You will have to remove the current epoxy first. Grind it all off. Then use the Restore A Garage Epoxy and their Gloss top coat after.
Could you tell me how many pounds of decorative fleck you used on the 3 car garage to get the medium-heavy coverage? I have an approx 1100 sqft garage. The website says 6-8lb per 1000 sqft for heavy coverage and then jumps to a whooping 200 lb per 1000 sqft for full broadcast. Thanks for the help
We like to go heavy at 8-12 per 1000 sq feet.
Hello, I just ordered a clear one to my floor and counter top. I am just curious if this would turn yellowish over time?
It should not.
how do I prepare an old garage floor for epoxy coating?
Does it have a current coating on it?
I have a 450 SF garage that has been sanded clean on the surface. Is there any other prep work required before applying the epoxy coating?
Also, i have a small stair down to a basement. Can the epoxy be applied to vertical surfaces?
Completely bare now? If so, you will need to etch the surface first before applying. You can apply it to verticals.
Can you epoxy a garage floor in the winter?
Temps need to be above 50.
I have a 1000 Sq foot garage floor. How much of this product will I need?
You would need about 3 of their 3-gallon kits. Make sure to prep the garage floor correctly as well. See this for tips on prep: https://www.concretesealerreview.com/how-to-acid-etch-a-concrete-surface-for-epoxy/
Will this work on my basement floor? Does it have a strong odor that lingers?
Yes, it works great for all types of concrete floors. Make sure to prep correctly. As for the odor, it is not a solvent-based product but it will have some odor. Similar to painting your walls with a water-based paint.